By Jumah Kakomo
The National Unity Platform says that the party will appeal the dismissal of the case involving 18 missing NUP supporters.
This decision comes after the High Court’s recent dismissal of the case involving 18 Party missing supporters on Tuesday, which has left many in the opposition party feeling frustrated and seeking justice.
According to NUP secretary general David Lewis Lubongoya, the 18 missing individuals were allegedly picked up by security personnel from various areas between 2019, 2020, and 2021, and their relatives have been constantly seeking information about their whereabouts.
Lubongoya says the 18 missing people are, Mbabazi Moses, Zzimula Dennis, Wangolo Shafick, Lukwago Martin, Kirya Peter, Ddamulira John, Ssemuddu Micheal, Kanatta Muhammad, Kabalama John Bosco, Nalumoso Vincent, Ssempijja Yuda, Musisi Mboowa, Luwemba Musitapha, Mubiru Hassan, Ssesaazi Isma, Kisembo Godfrey, Kasumba George, and Baguma Joseph.
The party secretary general says the party has been constantly actively seeking alternative solutions to ensure these people return safely, but authorities have denied holding them. He has accused the government of being behind the disappearances and has called for transparency and accountability, and he has been one of those leading the charge in seeking justice for the missing supporters.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday at party headquarters Kampala, the NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine, who has been a vocal advocate for human rights and democratic reforms in Uganda, emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in the government’s handling of the case. The disappearance of the 18 supporters has sparked widespread concern, with many Ugandans demanding answers and calling for their return whether dead or alive
The NUP has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the missing supporters, and Kyagulanyi’s announcement to appeal the dismissal is a testament to the party’s commitment to seeking justice.
“With the appeal, the NUP hopes to uncover the truth behind the disappearances and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi also condemned the disappearances, calling on the government to account for the missing supporters. He insists that President Yoweri Museveni and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja have acknowledged that the state holds these individuals, citing out that even the Minister for foreign affairs Jeje Odongo disclosed alist of these missing people.
Kyagulanyi revealed that NUP will appeal the recent dismissal of the case by high court judge Esther Nambayo and seek assistance from national and international human rights organisations.
“We demand to know their whereabouts and ensure their safe return,” Kyagulanyi said. “This blatant disregard for human rights won’t be tolerated.”
George Musisi, the lawyer for the missing people, has vowed to explore every possible avenue to secure justice for the 18 missing party supporters. He has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of the NUP supporters, emphasizing that the party will not give up in its pursuit of truth and accountability.
Musisi has been working tirelessly to ensure that the government is held accountable for the disappearance of the 18 party supporters. His determination to leave no stone unturned in the quest for justice has given hope to the families, who have been demanding answers from the government.
The relatives of the missing individuals have been seeking justice for a period of time, accusing the Attorney General of failing to account for their loved ones’ whereabouts.
“We haven’t seen or heard our people since they were taj3n away,” said relatives of the missing people. “We are worried sick, and the authorities are not helping us.”
With the 2026 elections looming, Musisi’s role in the NUP has become increasingly significant. Apart from advocating for the missing supporters, he has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Kira Municipality parliamentary race.
